The controversial Quota Bill to provide 27 percent reservation for OBCs in central educational institutions, which is to be made operational from the academic year 2007, makes no mention of the creamy layer.

The Bill, which is being introduced by HRD Minister Arjun Singh in the Lok Sabha, defines OBCs as the class or classes of citizens who are socially and educationally backward and are so determined by the Central government.

This implies that the creamy layer, which had been a bone of contention has been included for enjoying the benefits of reservation.

While the southern allies, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Pattal Makkal Katchi wanted implementation in full, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) was against inclusion on creamy layer.

As many as eight institutions of excellence including Homi Bhabha National Institute and its constituent units like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre as also Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore are excluded from the quota regime.